Hurricane season comes around each year with the ever-present threat of destroying American homes. This year, we’ve already seen a category 5 Atlantic storm, Hurricane Beryl, breaking records for the biggest tropical cyclone this early in the year. Luckily for the U.S., it traveled further south. But it is a sign of a worrying few months ahead, as experts predict “an above-normal” season in terms of the number of hurricanes expected in 2024.
With that in mind, it is important to prepare your home now if you live in a storm-prone area. Having your home ready to face high winds, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding can be the difference between minor damage or huge repair bills later.
Take a look below at what we can expect this hurricane season, compare the breakdown of costs of preparing your home versus repairing it, and what experts say when it comes to insurance.
Hurricane Season 2024
As mentioned, this year experts are predicting a high possibility of an active hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) outlook says we can expect between 8-13 hurricanes and 4-7 major Atlantic hurricanes. It should be noted that these are not landfall predictions, however. Of the 2.7 trillion dollars worth of damage from the 363 billion-dollar weather disasters since 1980, $1.4 trillion is due to damage from hurricanes, which amounts to 52% of the total.
As a seasoned insurance agency owner who has been through some of these experiences, I've seen firsthand the havoc these storms can wreak. I cannot stress enough how important it is to really know what your insurance covers and to be prepared.
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Prepare vs Repair
Above you can see a breakdown of what it costs to prepare your home compared to how much the total costs are to repair a home for each category level of hurricane. While preparation can also include having an evacuation plan or a storm shelter, you can also spend roughly $3.5K on properly securing your home to keep it intact for an intense hurricane season. This is assuming your home needs all of the necessary measures which we explain in more detail below.
We have used the Saffir-Simpson scale to determine the extent of destruction caused by each category hurricane and have applied the costs to repair each associated area of damage. Costs can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the materials used.
Of course, you’re probably counting on your home insurance to cover the costs. At the end of this article, we speak to experts who explain some of the key aspects regarding home insurance and hurricane damage.
I've seen homeowners underinsured by 30-50% of the cost to rebuild. Make sure you have coverage for the total replacement cost. If underinsured, you'll only recover a fraction of your loss.
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Cost to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
There are a range of options available to homeowners to completely prepare their homes for incoming hurricanes. For example, you can install hurricane windows for an average of $2,468 per window. However, in this case, we have taken the measures the average homeowner can undertake. As well as the items listed below, Michael Orefice, SVP of Operations at Smart Financial, advises to “Bring in outdoor furniture, lawn decorations, toys, garbage cans, and anything else that could become a projectile and cause further damage.”
Hurricane shutters: $1,425
Hurricane shutters are one of the best ways to safeguard your windows from wind destruction. They cost an average of around $95 per window for temporary shutters, which makes them one of the costliest preparation projects if you install them on 15 windows. Of course, there is always a cheaper option of DIY-boarding up the windows. Melanie Musson, Home Insurance Expert at Insurance Providers explains “Be prepared to shutter your windows. Shutters or plywood over windows can keep sticks and debris from becoming projectiles that break your windows.”
Stacey Giulianti, Chief Legal Officer at Florida Peninsula, tells us of a personal experience whereby it was essential to check hurricane shutters were able to be installed: “During Hurricane Wilma, I found out that the developer of my new home failed to provide shutters for every window. The wind was already starting to pick up when I realized that I would be unable to protect all the openings. Other neighbors had the shutters but didn't have any bolts or clips to secure them to the exterior frame. Do a 'run through' before any storm is on the radar to make sure your home will be safe and secure if a storm threatens."
Generator: $1,200
The average cost to install a portable generator is around $1,200. David Perkins, Insurance Expert and Public Adjuster at Assured Claims Service, advises to “Install a backup power source. A generator can be crucial during a power outage caused by a hurricane. Ensure it is properly installed and maintained for use during emergencies.”
Professional tree trimming: $450
One of the biggest dangers to homes during a hurricane is branches being ripped off trees by high winds. In even stronger hurricanes, trees can become uprooted and cause extreme damage. Perkins says “Trim trees and shrubs around your property to remove dead or weak branches that could become projectiles during strong winds. This reduces the risk of damage to your home and surrounding structures.” For tall, large trees, it would be safest to hire a professional to do the work.
Roof inspection: $426
The roof is vital in protecting your home, especially during severe weather situations. Making sure your roof is in top condition can be the difference between minor or major damage should a hurricane occur. Orefice suggests “Inspect your roof for loose shingles. Repair loose shingles to prevent them from getting blown away. [...] A roof that is old and in disrepair prior to a storm will leave your home prone to the elements, and insurance will only give you the depreciated value of that roof.” A professional roof inspector can let you know the condition of your roof and advise you on what needs to be done before a hurricane hits. They may also be able to spot issues the average Joe might not.
Clean out gutters: DIY
Having clean gutters is essential to make sure heavy rainfall can be carried away and not cause problems to your roof. Musson advises “Make sure your gutters are clear so water can be diverted away from your home. Make sure that there is a path for excess water to travel so it won’t pool around your house.” You can hire a professional but this is also a job that people can carry out DIY to keep costs down.
Cost to Repair Your Home After a Hurricane
If you’re in the direct path of a hurricane, you can expect damage ranging from slight to catastrophic depending on the strength of the storm. Preparing your home can give it the best chance to keep damage as minimal as possible. However, if you fail to prepare, you can expect some costly repairs. Below is a breakdown of the average costs to repair a home after a category 3 hurricane hits.
Roof replacement: $21,054
The average cost to replace a roof is $21,054. If 30% or more of your roof is damaged, experts advise you to replace the whole roof. In a Cat-3 hurricane, if you have not carried out a roof inspection and replaced loose or broken shingles, you could see damage to this extent. Various factors will affect this cost, including the size, pitch, design, and material.
Gutter replacement: $3,223
If your gutter is well-secured and clean you may get away with only needing to repair it. However, in many cases, you may need to replace the whole gutter as wind speeds up to 129mph or higher can completely tear it away from the roof. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the gutter causing it to sag or crack. Flying debris can also cause gutters to clog easily.
Water damage restoration: $3,000
Homeowners should expect to prepare for possible storm surges in category 3 hurricanes or higher. If your home floods, water damage restoration can be costly. The job involves gray water extraction, drying and repairing drywall, and other necessary repairs.
Window repair: $2,450
If you don’t border up your windows or have hurricane shutters you are almost certainly going to face extensive window damage during a major hurricane. With flying debris and projectiles smashing glass and seals being put through their paces with heavy rain, repairing your windows can end up becoming an expensive project.
Siding repair: $1,830
Similarly to the roof and windows, your siding is constantly exposed to the elements. Depending on the age and condition of your siding, you can expect some pretty extensive damage. This can cost more or less depending on the amount of destruction and the material. We have taken the cost range of 100 sq ft of various common materials and taken the median average which works out at $1,830.
Floor repair: $1,600
The average cost to repair flooring after water damage is roughly $1,600. Like most projects, the amount of damage and type of material will dictate the final cost. If a storm surge brings water into your home, it is important to try and dry out the floors as quickly as possible to avoid the subfloor becoming too damaged.
Other costs can include door repair ($202) should you be unlucky enough that your door is also damaged. Debris removal ($225) can be done DIY if the job is manageable, but after a severe storm, debris may require professional attention. Likewise, a fallen tree will need to be removed by specialists ($112), especially if it could be dangerous such as having fallen onto power lines or the house itself.
Home Insurance: Expert Commentary
Repair costs after a hurricane hits are a daunting prospect, which is why home insurance can give you financial peace of mind. However, there are some things you should be aware of before hurricane season really kicks into gear. Orefice says “If you live in a hurricane-prone area, chances are that you have a separate windstorm insurance policy and deductible on your homeowner insurance. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay the homeowner insurance deductible if you suffer damages caused by a hurricane.”
It’s essential to check that you are up to date with payments. Giulianti says "Before hurricane season even begins, make sure your policy is actually in force and paid up to date. More often than you would think, people find out, as the storm is approaching, that their policy was canceled for non-payment.”
To further drive home the importance of keeping your home well-maintained and prepared for hurricane season, Orefice says “Let’s say your roof gets blown off, and it’s a 10-year-old roof. You will not get the full amount for a new roof because it’s old. Plus, the deductible will be deducted from the depreciated value of your roof.”
Insurance is not meant to assist in renovations that are needed due to neglect or poor maintenance.
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In extreme circumstances where flooding occurs, Musson points out that “Flood insurance is always a separate coverage from standard home insurance. If you experience flooding from a hurricane, flood insurance is the coverage you need for financial protection.”
And finally, Ben Klesinger, Co-Founder and CEO of Reliant, advises “Review your policy limits and coverage details before hurricane season. Meet with your agent to determine if you have adequate coverage and if any endorsements are needed. Complete an inventory of belongings in case you need to file a claim. Take photos or video of your home's condition.”
Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.